The Indian Desert lies to the northwest of the Aravalli Hills and is characterized by arid conditions and shifting sand dunes. Which of the following is the correct reason for the formation of the Indian Desert?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is It lies in the rain shadow region of the Aravalli Hills.
Explanation:
☛ The Great Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, is located towards the northwest of the Aravalli Hills.
☛ One primary reason for its arid condition is that it lies in the rain shadow zone of the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon winds, which lose most of their moisture before reaching this region.
☛ In addition, the Aravalli Range lies parallel to the direction of the moisture-bearing winds of the Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon, allowing the clouds to pass by without causing orographic rainfall.
☛ Because of these geographic factors, the region receives extremely low annual precipitation (generally below 150 mm per year), resulting in an arid climate with sparse vegetation and shifting sand dunes (barchans).
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Luni River: It is the only significant river flowing through the Thar Desert, which terminates in the Rann of Kutch.
☛ Barchans: Crescent-shaped sand dunes called barchans cover large areas of the Indian desert, particularly near the border with Pakistan.
☛ Oasis: Depressions where groundwater reaches the surface to sustain vegetation are called oases, such as those found around Jaisalmer.
☛ Indira Gandhi Canal: The longest canal in India originates at the Harike Barrage in Punjab and provides irrigation to the Thar Desert in Rajasthan.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which is the oldest fold mountain range in India? → Aravalli Range
☛ What is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range? → Guru Shikhar (1,722 m)
☛ Which river is also known as the 'Salt River' in Rajasthan? → Luni River
☛ What are the crescent-shaped shifting sand dunes in deserts called? → Barchans
☛ From which confluence of rivers is the Indira Gandhi Canal fed at Harike Barrage? → Sutlej and Beas